CARPE VERBUM

STEP #1: LECTIO / READ

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. Thus Joseph, also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles.

​ACTS 4: 32-37

STEP #2 - MEDITATIO / MEDITATE

Most memorable Spiderman (movie) quote: "With great power comes great responsibility." While that is true, it is worth asking the question, "Where does great power come from?"

In today's passage we read of the apostles and disciples of Jesus sharing all of their possessions: food, land, money, furniture, anything and everything that they had, they shared. They shared because they were 'of one heart and soul' meaning that they all had a common purpose, a goal, something that united them and that something was the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But in life, Jesus taught them something very important, that those who give themselves away will receive a hundred-fold in this life and in the life to come (Matthew 19:29). These disciples understood that only when they gave away what they had could God be able to use them more fully. Think about a watering pot that you might use to water the flowers. Only when it is empty can you fill it up and use it to fulfill its purpose. God uses the disciples in the same way: He wants them empty so that HE can fill them with HIS life and thereby transform this earth.

So that still doesn't answer the question of "where does great power come from"...or does it? The power of the Christian is different than any other "power" because it only comes from God only when the Christian has been emptied of their own self-aggrandizement. Then by asking God to be united with Him and His Church does He respond by forming and shaping the Christian to be who HE has created them to be. And yes, once we have been given the power of the Resurrection...there is great responsibility.

STEP #3 - ORATIO / PRAY

Lord, what do I hold on to that you desire for me to let go of?

What gifts or talents has God given me that I keep hidden out of fear or pride?